SOS

noun

ˌes-(ˌ)ō-ˈes 

1

: an internationally recognized signal of distress in radio code ‧ ‧ ‧ - - - ‧ ‧ ‧ used especially by ships calling for help

2

: a call or request for help or rescue

Examples of SOS in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2023, One Thing at a Time and SOS were the Nos. 1 and 3 most popular albums of the year in Luminate’s year-end report. 2024’s Midyear Top 10 Albums in U.S. (by Equivalent Album Units) 1. —Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 16 July 2024

One Thing at a Time was No. 1, the all-women group TWICE debuted at No. 2 with Ready To Be, Miley Cyrus’ Endless Summer Vacation bowed at No. 3, SZA’s SOS fell 2-4 and Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito dipped 3-5. —Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 7 July 2024

Individuals can also carry their own SOS beacons, such as the Garmin inReach Mini 2. —Sharael Kolberg, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2024

Tower 28 Tower 28 SOS Intensive Redness Relief Serum $34 Sephora $34 Revolve Now, hypochlorous acid can be found in facial cleansers, serums, creams, and sprays. —Myranda Mondry, Allure, 4 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

SOS

noun

ˌes-(ˌ)ō-ˈes 

ˌes-ə-ˈwes

1

: an international radio code distress signal used by ships and aircraft calling for help

2

: a call for help

Medical Definition

SOS

abbreviation

if occasion require; if necessary

—used in writing prescriptions

Etymology

Latin si opus sit